Pubdate: Tue, 17 Dec 2013
Source: Shelburne County Coast Guard, The (CN NS)
Copyright: 2013 Transcontinental Nova Scotia Media Group inc.
Contact:  http://www.thecoastguard.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4555
Author: Amy Woolvett

LOCAL RCMP OFFICER RECEIVES SPECIALIZED DRUG TRAINING

Shelburne RCMP are gaining the expertise to identify and charge 
drivers impaired by drugs, including marijuana.

RCMP member, Const. Matt Stewart was trained during an extensive 
21-day program in Jacksonville, Florida and is the prescription drugs 
and only drug recognition expert in Shelburne County at this time.

For eight hours a day, he studied the human physiology of a person 
impaired by drugs and took part in the training needed to perform 
roadside and in-station tests.

The roadside test includes a three-step test including a horizontal 
and vertical gaze nystagmus test, a walk and turn test and a one-leg 
standing test.

"What we are looking at is seeing how well a person can divide their 
attention," said Stewart, adding that people who are impaired have a 
difficult time doing this. "People might not think it is but driving 
is a massive dividing attention skill."

Stewart trained with live subjects as well during a three day clinic 
where people impaired by drugs or alcohol were tested so that he 
could learn to identify someone impaired.

If the first test is positive, the officer can take the driver back 
to the station to begin the second test.

"Based purely on my opinion and training, I have the grounds to 
arrest that person and bring them into the station," said Stewart.

He said the second test is a much more detailed testing including 
blood rate, blood pressure, body temperature, blood tests to narrow 
down what category of drug the person is on.

"We know people are driving impaired in Shelburne County... 
especially marijuana," said Stewart. "If you are abusing and driving 
your going to get caught."

He said now that there are more members in Nova Scotia trained in 
identifying drivers who are impaired by drugs, there will be more 
cases going through the court system.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom